The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to
Prison is the last place we would expect a letter of encouragement to be written, but this is where Paul’s second letter to Timothy originated—a Roman prison.
The apostle begins by assuring Timothy of his continuing love and prayers and then reminds him of his spiritual heritage and responsibilities. Only the one who perseveres—whether as a soldier, athlete, farmer, or minister of Jesus Christ—will reap God’s reward. Paul also warns Timothy that his teaching will come under attack as faithless men desert the truth in favor of words for itching ears (2 Tim. 4:3). But Timothy has Paul’s example to guide him and God’s Word to fortify him as he faces both growing opposition and glowing opportunities.
This letter may be one of the most personal letters we have from the apostle Paul. He knows he is facing his final days, yet he finds himself increasingly alone. He tells Timothy, “All who are in Asia turned away from me” (2 Tim. 1:15) and “Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia . . . Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me . . . Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus” (4:10, 12, 16, 20). So he urges Timothy, “Make every effort to come to me soon . . . Pick up Mark and bring him with you . . . Make every effort to come before winter” (4:9, 11, 21). The apostle’s reports and requests remind us that God designed the Christian life to occur within community and that everyone—even revered apostles—needs the fellowship of other believers.
Paul’s last epistle received the title Pros Timotheon B, the “Second to Timothy.”
Theme: Be on the alert for wrong teachings and cling to the truth.
Author: The apostle Paul.
Time: Circa A.D. 66–67. Nero had Paul executed.
Structure: After a short introduction (1:1, 2), Paul expresses his love for Timothy (vv. 3–7), encourages him to remain true to the faith (1:8—2:13), warns him of several dangers (2:14—3:9), instructs him in his work (3:10—4:5), informs him of his dire situation (4:6–18), and finally concludes his letter and makes some last requests (vv. 19–22).
As you read 2 Timothy, watch for the life principles that play an important role in this book:
8. Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time. See 2 Timothy 1:3.
18. As children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances. See 2 Timothy 1:7.
28. No Christian has ever been called to “go it alone” in his or her walk of faith. See 2 Timothy 2:2.
3. God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm. See 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
26. Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God. See 2 Timothy 4:17.